This compact has plenty of pickup -- Why did Suzuki get into the compact-truck market? It manufactures motorcycles, ATVs, and motors for boats, and had to watch as other automakers' trucks served as tow vehicles.

8 Months and 14,957 Miles - "The equator was my ride to Joshua Tree for a camping and rock-climbing expedition," logs assistant Web producer Kirill Ougarov. "It was easy to maneuver, drive, and park, though the V-6’s fuel economy isn’t much better than that of our long-term V-8 F-150."

New arrival - 6656 miles: For many, a compact truck will provide all the capability they'd need. It can tow a good-size boat or trailer, lug half a ton of payload, and, as a plus, fit in most garages and provide decent fuel economy while doing it. What's not to like?

Keeping All the Toys in the Same Family - Anyone who's into petro-powered recreation from dirt bikes to bass boats knows the Suzuki name, and now those fans will have a new option to carry those toys in--or behind.

Less truck, less luxury -- but the ideal size; When it comes to the midsize segment, the pickings are slim, so when I heard of Suzuki's introduction of the Equator earlier this year, I got a little excited.